Fort Wilderness - What are some Pre-Hoop De Doo Activities ?

[jcvalenti]

Every time we take a long extended family trip to Disney, we try to pick one or two things we've never done and give them a try. We usually stay offsite for the long trips, so one our favorite things to do is to eat at different resorts so we can check them out. This summer, 9 of us are finally (after 30 years) going to break down and do Hoop De Doo at Fort Wilderness.

The "kids" (ages 13 to 21) are pretty excited to finally see the Campground. I haven't been there since the early 1980s, so I'm sure it's changed a lot. I'm just wondering - what are some things we might do if we got there a few hours early for Hoop De Doo ?

We're doing Animal Kingdom in the AM, and then plan to go back to the house to swim and nap for a bit, so we'd probably get there about 3 or 4 pm for a 6:15pm Hoop De Doo reservation, but could get there earlier if there's some activity that starts earlier. We'll probably be driving and parking, and if it helps, we all have Tables in Wonderland.

Some ideas we've thought of that I'd love some feedback on:

1. Get a golf cart and drive around
2. Let the Kids do the Archery Experience
3. Stop at the Tri-Circle D
4. Pop in to Crockett's Tavern for an adult beverage or two

Love to hear what you experienced folk think we "can't miss" at Fort Wilderness.

 

[hertamaniac]

Golf cart rental maximizes the experience. Tri-Circle D is wonderful and relaxing. Be sure to push the button in the stable (you'll see what I mean). HDD wasn't our cup of tea, but I would encourage you to try it.

 

[jcvalenti]

Golf cart rental maximizes the experience. Tri-Circle D is wonderful and relaxing. Be sure to push the button in the stable (you'll see what I mean). HDD wasn't our cup of tea, but I would encourage you to try it.

Thanks for advice ! Do you think getting a cart would be worth it just for a few hours ?

We didn't think HDD would be our cup of tea ever, but then we watched some vlogs and realized unlimited Yuengling, Sangria, Fried Chicken and Strawberry Shortcake, coupled with yelling along like idiots, was definitely something that would appeal to our group.

 

[hertamaniac]

Thanks for advice ! Do you think getting a cart would be worth it just for a few hours ?

We didn't think HDD would be our cup of tea ever, but then we watched some vlogs and realized unlimited Yuengling, Sangria, Fried Chicken and Strawberry Shortcake, coupled with yelling along like idiots, was definitely something that would appeal to our group.

Absolutely! The golf cart makes it a great experience, especially in the evening hours.

The food at HDD is very good, not great in my opinion. One of us opted for the salmon as fried chicken wasn't on her diet.

 

[jcvalenti]

For carts, do you need to reserve ahead of time, or just drop in and pick up ? Is it by the hour or the day ? If the day, could we use it to drive to wherever HDD is from the parking area / reception hall ?

I was just looking at a map online and I forgot just how big the grounds are at Fort Wilderness.

 

[hertamaniac]

For carts, do you need to reserve ahead of time, or just drop in and pick up ? Is it by the hour or the day ? If the day, could we use it to drive to wherever HDD is from the parking area / reception hall ?

I was just looking at a map online and I forgot just how big the grounds are at Fort Wilderness.

We reserved ahead of time to ensure we had it; we stayed at the cabins for about a week. It was a daily rate, and is not inexpensive, but you'll be so thankful regardless if you only get a couple of hours.

You can drive to HDD and there is dedicated golf cart parking (and throughout the pools/stores).

 

[Hopefully]

The carts are expensive and not worth it for only a few hours IMHO. They are about $65. Plus the only seat 4. There are Golf Carts for 6, which cost more, but they are first come first serve.
You may get better answers if you post this question on the Camping Forum

 

[acgardne]

For carts, do you need to reserve ahead of time, or just drop in and pick up ? Is it by the hour or the day ? If the day, could we use it to drive to wherever HDD is from the parking area / reception hall ?

I was just looking at a map online and I forgot just how big the grounds are at Fort Wilderness.

I agree that golf carts are the best way to get around the Fort. Keep in mind that if your whole party of 9 will be going, you will need a minimum of 2 carts (probably 3 if you don't get lucky and get one of the few 6-seater carts.) At approx. $65 for the day per cart, that can add up. For that price, you could rent a pontoon boat at the marina that would hold your whole party.

Fort Wilderness is amazing, no matter how you get around. Enjoy!

 

[pooh2001]

HDD can do special diets with 24 hour advance notice
Call Disney Dining
My DD when she was little got a pizza for dinner - not a personal pizza - a normal big cheese pizza
She asked for 2 slices and said if another child wanted pizza, to please share it
The waitress was so impressed by my DD, she gave my DD a Disney pin of Woody

 

[MinnieMSue]

HDD can do special diets with 24 hour advance notice
Call Disney Dining
My DD when she was little got a pizza for dinner - not a personal pizza - a normal big cheese pizza
She asked for 2 slices and said if another child wanted pizza, to please share it
The waitress was so impressed by my DD, she gave my DD a Disney pin of Woody

Do you have to request the vegetarian menu ahead of time too?

 

[pooh2001]

yes - call ahead for any menu change or special requests - including a celebration cake

 

[SamFaniam]

Unless you particularly want to drive around and see the different campsite areas, I don’t think I would spend money on golf carts, as you would most likely need 3. The internal buses are going to take you to both the Meadow area, where you can do the archery experience or rent bikes, and then down to the Pioneer Hall area where everything else is, including boat rentals. There are also a couple of nature trails that you could explore right around the Pioneer Hall area.

 

[pooh2001]

enjoy the HDD - we love the corny show